Image by M.Wells
Big LIC food news today. HUGE! The much loved M.Wells Quebecan diner located in an old fashioned, nostalgic space on 49th Avenue is closing its doors. For the many fanatics that dutifully line up here each day to get a taste of specialties such as patee chinois, gravlax pies, frogs legs, foie gras tamales and more will now have to wait longer. M.Wells announced that due to landlord disputes, they'll be closing their doors at the end of the month. But definitely not for good.
A new location is rumored to be in the works quite soon, and staying true to their roots, it'll also be in LIC. How exciting! I feel good things coming and have no doubts its new home will be fabulous.
So...this means you have exactly 28 days to get to it and hit up the original location.
When you get there, expect a wait but know that it's 100% worth it.
Here's more info about M.Wells and its upcoming plans from Gothamist. Thanks for the valuable tip, Mackenzi!
M. Wells - 21-17 49th Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
718.425.6917
7 Train to Hunters Point Avenue
www.mwellsdiner.com
When we got there, the place was absolutely buzzing - so much so that we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table, which wasn't that bad in hindsight. The place was packed at the seams - no empty seats at the bar, the long communal table up front completely occupied and the waitstaff was certainly working for their tips, running around like busy worker bees.
We were lucky enough to score a booth by the window. It was hard to hear one another, per my above mention of the activity going on, but nonetheless, a great time was had. Here's what we ordered:
Gravlax Pie - I had a hard time deciding between this, the seafood cobbler and a marrow sandwich. Our gracious waiter highly recommended the Gravlax Pie so I took his word for it. Wow, and am I glad I listened. While I couldn't really picture what a gravlax pie would look like, the beautifully composed plate of vibrant colors and amazing textures surpassed anything I could've imagined.
The actual "pie" was made of a flaky, buttery crust that was easy to break into, revealing a creamy interior filled with potatoes. Topped with smoked salmon (or gravlax), a heaping scoop of velvety creme fraiche and fish eggs, it was the most intricately composed and well rounded salmon dish I've had to date. All the flavors and textures worked perfectly together to create a little piece of Scandinavian heaven in your mouth. Although I absolutely adored this dish, lactose sensitive friends should beware, for it's not easy on the tummy. But so worth every bite!
Cheeseburger - Anthony ordered the burger, which contained a mixture of beef and lamb, cheddar cheese, grilled onions and pickles. While I didn't try it, he finished it to the last bite and said it was one of the better ones he's had lately. He also revealed his best of the best burger of LIC, which is found at the most unusual locale. I won't reveal it now but rest assured that I'll give it some properly-paid attention soon.
Iced Tea - I also got a simple iced tea, which was very well made and came in a very cool-looking glass that reminded me of a glass version of this. It tasted fresh brewed and didn't need any kind of sweetener.
Service and Cost:
Given the hectic atmosphere today, the service was still very much on-point. We were served quickly and I definitely felt that our waiter paid enough attention to us. He was quick with the check too, which was appreciated.
Costs are moderate to a little pricey with my entree at $16 and Anthony's at $12. Total including tax and tip was $38.
3 Mmmms
M. Wells Diner - 21-17 49th Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101718.425.6917
7 Train to Hunters Point Avenue
mwellsdiner.com/
M.Wells, the Quebeco-influenced diner that opened just six months ago, and has stirred some waves in the culinary community is welcoming a couple of changes in 2011. For starters, they were finally granted their liquor license so you can come in and enjoy wines and beers. But there's more good news coming, as M.Wells is getting ready to start serving dinner in late January.
This is certainly great news for us 9-5 p.m. working folk who don't always have a chance to catch their unique cuisine during the day or on the weekend. Personally, I can't wait to see what innovative specialties they cook up for dinner. My personal favorite so far is the Patee Chinois, a Quebecan Shepherd's Pie with braised pork tongue. Mmmm... What's yours?
M. Wells Diner - 21-17 49th Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101 718.425.69177 Train to Hunters Point Avenuemwellsdiner.com/
Image by M.Wells
Last week I mentioned that M.Wells, a new Quebeco-American diner is open and serving breakfast. Well their hours have expanded now to include lunch, so you can visit them all week, Monday - Friday between 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dinner is in store soon and I'll let you know about that as soon as it comes to fruition.
New additions to the menu include Bacalao, Egg & Hash, Pickled Pork Tongue, Chicken Skin Fried Chicken and a house Hot Dog. Wow - sounds adventurous! The Village Voice did a recent write-up on them and they seemed impressed. I can't wait to try it and will report back when I do. In the meantime, do let me know what you thought if you had a chance to visit.
M. Wells - 21-17 49th Avenue, Long Island City NY 11101
718.425.6917
7 Train to Hunters Point Avenue
www.mwellsdiner.com
